The New Yorkers

I never really reviewed the Netflix Marvel shows because they don't fit my traditional review style the same way a movie does, but with "The Defenders" finally out I felt it was time to give these series the time and effort they deserve!

Daredevil (Season 1 & 2)

Probably my favorite of the four shows, "Daredevil" features actor Charlie Cox as "The Man Without Fear", played against the main antagonist of Wilson Fisk/The Kingpin. The first season does a great job of establishing the borders of Matt's powers as well as tastefully sprinkling his origin story in the background of each episode. His time as a boxer's son and a warrior's student isn't softly presented, giving us the true-to-grit history of the character. Between Daredevil and The Kingpin there is a brilliantly handled presentation of moral ambiguity. Is The Kingpin evil because he's a criminal, or is he good because he wants to help rebuild his city? Is he truly evil inside or is it his past that defines his actions? Should Daredevil kill if he really wants to make changes, or would that be a line he dare not cross? Can Matt Murdock balance his life as a hero, a lawyer, and a Catholic with such drama surrounding him. Oh, and the lawyer stuff is handled well, too. Season Two isn't as strong due to a sudden shift in subject regarding Elektra and The Hand-with Elektra's brand of crazy being handled very well. It just as feels the initial plot was the selling point, but the introduction of The Hand was done just to set them up for things to come. However, the introduction of Frank Castle/The Punisher and the way Frank's methods clash with Daredevil's is truly entertaining. This conflict of beliefs is the reason The Punisher works best played off of other heroes because scenes in which Daredevil and Punisher argue are gripping and when they connect it inspires hope for this hopeless hero. "Daredevil" is a strong foundation for the Netflix series of shows because it makes us ask questions about our own sense of right and wrong and good and evil.

Jessica Jones

Kristen Ritter plays the character of Jessica Jones in the self-named series. While Daredevil was a sprawling adventure through the crime-ridden Hell's Kitchen, this is a more personal story. A story in which a potential hero must face the man who tore her down. This show presents the idea that there is no perfect person, but more so, that every person is flawed. Even the nicest, purist, and helpful people in this show have flaws that keep them from being different. Jess is the epicenter of imperfection, and the characterization of a detective who's heart is in the right place, but who's brain has them on the brakes is wonderful in performance. Played against Jess is Killgrave/The Purple Man. Purple Man's unique abilities are presented very well in this show, as are it's limitations. The show isn't afraid to leap around the "R word" and even tries to instill some sympathy into the main villain. As a villain, Killgrave surrounds himself with human shields because he knows-even if Jess doesn't care-she doesn't want to hurt anyone. "Jessica Jones" is a gripping series that had me eager to keep watching and excited to see this down-in-the-dumps-hero get her personal victory.

Luke Cage

Mike Colter portrayed Luke Cage in "Jessica Jones" giving us a well executed introduction to his character and establishing a relationship with Jessica. In his own series, Luke moves to Harlem where crime is on the rise and action must be taken. This series focuses on an aspect only slightly touched upon in "Daredevil", it's the concept of your home making you who you are. While Luke isn't from Harlem, he befriends it's residents-from old men to criminals to the youth. Playing against him are the cousin duo of Cottonmouth and Black Mariah. These two criminals have much different ways of running the streets-one through crime and the other through politics-and it is their history with Harlem that drives them to be strong. Luke is an interesting prospect because he's a bulletproof black man in a hoodie. In these times of controversy in America, Luke was the kind of hero people needed to see. Luke's rules and way of living show us he is his own man, making him a role model, but also leaving him with rules and ideals that keep him from being completely effective. These "chains" that keep him from making changes are built by himself and his enemies. Sadly, the show's exploration of "home making the man" is ditched halfway through in favor for "the past follows you". Luke's backstory in prison, his childhood friend-turned-enemy, and the man who gave him his powers are all reintroduced, basically hijacking the rest of the show. The exploration of his past isn't bad, but it takes away from the plot elements the show was playing with before. This left me less excited to finish than as I was to start. Regardless, the parts of the series I enjoyed did a wonderful job of introducing an unsung burrow of the Marvel Universe and it's one-and-only Power Man.

Iron Fist

Obviously the most decisive series was "Iron Fist" starring Finn Jones as Danny Rand/The Immortal Iron Fist. The show follows a thought-dead heir to a million dollar company returning to New York with fifteen years of training under a mystical city where he killed a dragon and became a living weapon. The show does a good job at presenting the reactions to Danny's return, from him being tossed in an asylum to him being outright ignored for looking homeless and seeming crazy. And when the show decides to be about fighting it does a good job of having different fighting styles from a myriad of varied, and unique characters. However, there are many issues with the show. While past shows did a good job of exploring the pasts of their characters, this show barely explores Danny's time in Kun-Lun. Probably due to budget, which I understand because Iron Fist is the most expensive of the characters. While his past is shown through snippets, Danny's present in shown in slow motion. It takes far too long for plot points to be resolved, there are more drawn-out talking scenes than well-lit fight scenes, and the supporting cast-other than Colleen Wing-just isn't as strong. Harold Meachum is creepy enough, watching Ward's spiral out of control is fun, but the occasional villains end up being more entertaining than the main-stay villains. It feels as though the show doesn't know what it wants to be about. Perhaps it's just expectations, but by itself the series is pretty good. It is only when draped over the previous three does the show fault. I'm sure Finn Jones is a good actor, but I could not attach myself to Danny Rand the same way I could the past three characters. Even with it's flaws, "Iron Fist" adheres to the lessons of responsibilities clashing, of personal interest battling with sworn duty, and with the humanity of a lost man being overshadowed by the power he carries in the palm of his hand.

"The Defenders" is only eight-episodes and it's up now so go check it out!
Thanks for reading!